Skip to main content
Catherine, Princess of Wales, visiting children's trauma therapy service in Bradford.
Zendaya and Tom Holland posing together at an event.
Margot Robbie at the BAFTA Awards, showcasing her elegant style.

Beauty

4 Makeup Mistakes That Are Adding 10 Years To Your Face

March 11, 2021 by Hannah Kerns
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

Using makeup can be a great way to boost your confidence, especially if you are hoping to look younger than your years. However, there are some common makeup mistakes that may be doing the exact opposite, aging you prematurely.

With that in mind, keep reading for the 4 makeup mistakes you should avoid because they make you look older. Don’t worry, your cosmetic routine will survive (and thrive) without them!

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
powder foundation

Powder foundation

If you love your powder foundation, feel free to stick with it. However, there is good reason to be wary of these formulas, particularly if your goal is to look younger. Unfortunately, powder foundations often leave your skin looking cakey, which can emphasize the signs of aging you'd rather keep hidden.

 

"Beware of powder," celebrity makeup artist Georgie Eisdell tells Good Housekeeping. "Too much can cake and discolor the skin, emphasizing the fine lines around your eyes and lips."

mascara

Too much mascara

A few swipes of mascara is really all you need--especially on your lower lashes. By putting too much makeup there, you are drawing attention to your under-eyes (and any wrinkles that may be there).

 

Celebrity makeup artist Noreen Taylor tells Real Simple, "[N]o matter how small those wrinkles are, thick mascara will make them stand out. Just slightly add one coat to stay safe."

woman applying concealer

Picking the wrong concealer formula

Finding a concealer formula that works with your skin is important, but it may require some trial and error on your part. Makeup artist Allan Avendaño explains to Allure, "Anything too thin, too dry, or too moisturizing can call cause creasing."

 

Your goal should be a formula that "moves with skin and has good coverage," which will likely depend on your skin type. Although it might sound like a lot of effort, finding one that suits your skin is worth it, especially if you're worried about any creasing accentuating your wrinkles.

foundation swatches

Choosing the wrong foundation shade

If your foundation is off, the rest of the look will be off as well. Along that same vein, taking the time to find a foundation that matches your skin is crucial for any anti-aging makeup.

 

"The closer it matches your skin tone, the fresher the effect," makeup artist Kyriaki Savrani tells Women's Health. "The less obvious it is, the younger the result will be."

Author:

Associate Editor

Hannah Kerns pitches and writes compelling stories for SheFinds' readers. When she isn't listening to podcasts or catching up on true crime, she covers the latest in beauty, health, fashion, and celebrity news. To reach Hannah, email hannah@shefinds.com.

Woman experiencing fatigue after a sleepless night.
Summer superfoods for boosting collagen and glowing skin.
Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.
Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Woman experiencing fatigue after a sleepless night.
Summer superfoods for boosting collagen and glowing skin.
Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.

Beauty

Prime Day is basically a holiday for anyone who's ...

Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.

Beauty

Summer is my favorite season. If I could bottle up ...

Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).